Mighty Mini Research Collective

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About MMRC

A Venn diagram with three overlapping circles labeled 'External Advocacy', 'Training, Resources and Best Practice', and 'Networking and Collaboration'.

The Mighty Mini Research Collective is a free, member-led community for independent researchers, freelancers, and micro-businesses - new and established- who are not affiliated with universities or large institutions.

We focus on running our businesses, not just the research itself. Our activities include:

  • Quarterly online lunch meet-ups for networking and collaboration

  • Sharing training, resources, and best practice

  • Peer support for wellbeing and resilience

  • External advocacy for independent researchers

With 200 members on our active LinkedIn group, the collective is founded by Fran Harkness (Kohlrabi) and Rowena Hay (Shortwork) and thrives on the energy and expertise of our members.

Join us to connect, learn, and grow your independent research practice.
DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE FLYER HERE

MMRC Unconference

CONNECT * RECHARGE * LEARN

We’re excited to announce that we are running our first every MMRC Unconference on the 16th June 2026 at Pink in Stockport.

We’re planning a refreshing, small-scale unconference shaped by our members — independent researchers, freelancers, and social research SMEs — who want to connect, recharge, and share practical know-how.

What to expect:

• A welcoming, energising environment

• Supported networking

• Open-space skill- and knowledge-sharing

• Practical business-skills sessions

You’ll leave with:

• New connections and collaborators

• Fresh energy and inspiration

• Useful insights to strengthen your work

Call for proposals:

Have an idea for a discussion, skill share, demo, or workshop? Submit a session proposal: https://forms.gle/qHfjRF9aNU4tWGJM7

Register your interest:

Planning to attend? Register your interest, so we can keep you updated: https://forms.gle/uJRqC7bZxAXTZnqU6

Our members

  • A woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a black turtleneck standing in front of a colorful graffiti mural on a brick wall.

    Fran Harkness

    Director at Kohlrabi | Mixed-methods public health research, public involvement & evaluation | North West

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair and a fringe, wearing a black shirt, a blue embroidered jumpsuit, and a gold necklace, standing in front of a colorful mural with red, orange, and purple hues.

    Rowena Hay

    Director at Shortwork | Participatory action research across culture, environment & health | North West

  • Black and white photo wearing glasses, smiling, with long hear.

    Naomi Clemons

    Head of Research at N2 Research and Analytics | Mixed methods research & evaluation | Criminal justice, health & public health | UK

  • Portrait of women with shoulder length hair, wearing a black, in front of a brick wall painted in blue.

    Sabina Dewfield-Oakley

    Director at Shortwork | Mixed methods research and evaluation across culture, environment & health | South East

  • Photo of man with white hair and beard wearing a suit.

    Arun Kumar

    Research Consultant | Mixed-methods, systematic reviews, meta-analysis & qualitative research | Health, public health & social care | UK & South East Asia

  • Woman with mousy brown shoulder length hair, leanng on a desk, wearing a green top with black spots smiling.

    Sarah Frost

    Director at Sarah E Frost Associates | Qualitative social impact evaluation & learning facilitation | Voluntary, community and public sector | UK

  • Portrait photo of a woman with a blue head scarf on looking into the camera with a smile.

    Rozia Hussain

    Director at Think Impact Ltd | Mixed methods, participatory research & evaluation | Charities & the third sector, higher education, culture & heritage, local government | UK

  • Portrait of man with glasses in black and white looking into the camera.

    James Anderson

    Director at Resolution Ready | Participatory & qualitative research, evaluation, facilitation & action learning | Children & young people, arts & community | North East

  • Profile image of women looking into the camera with shoulder length dark hair and a white top.

    Poppy Reece

    Managing Director at SMPL Research | Mixed-methods research and evaluation | Voluntary, community and public sector | South East

  • Emily Bradfield

    Founder/Director at Studio Flourish CIC | Qualitative, participatory, creative & mixed methods | creative health & ageing, arts & public health | East of England

  • Catherine Brys

    Consultant at Brys Strategic Consulting | Strategy, design, & systems thinking, facilitation, co-creation, mixed-method research & analysis | cross-sector | UK